Yuye Tang (Jade Fluid Decoction) for Radiation Sequelae and Diabetes
Yuye Tang (Jade Fluid Decoction) comes from Yixue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine), an empirical formula of the late-Qing/early-Republic physician Zhang Xichun. Its typical indications are thirst and excessive urination.
According to traditional TCM theory, Yuye Tang chiefly boosts qi and generates fluids, secures the kidney and stops thirst. It treats xiaoke (wasting-thirst) disease, with symptoms of thirst, drinking large amounts without relief, frequent and voluminous urination, or turbid urine, lassitude and shortness of breath, and a deficient, fine, weak pulse.
Today TCM clinicians commonly use Yuye Tang for radiation sequelae after cancer radiotherapy, diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, the polyuric phase of epidemic hemorrhagic fever, infantile summer fever, diabetes insipidus, and mammary hyperplasia, when thirst and polyuria present with the pattern of dual deficiency of spleen and kidney.
Yuye Tang is used fairly often in tumor patients, first because many tumor patients now receive radiotherapy, and second because tumors and diabetes often occur in the same patient.
The adult daily dose: raw Dioscorea (Shan Yao) 30 g, raw Astragalus (Sheng Huangqi) 15 g, Anemarrhena (Zhimu), Pueraria (Gegen), Schisandra (Wuweizi), and Trichosanthes root pollen (Tianhuafen) each 10 g, raw chicken gizzard lining (Sheng Jineijin, crushed fine) 6 g. Children may have the dose reduced by age; generally children over 12 can take the adult dose, and those under 12 should have the dose set by a doctor based on age and weight.
Raw Astragalus in the formula supplements qi; among qi-tonifying herbs, raw Huangqi is the most used. Raw Dioscorea is sweet and neutral in nature; by TCM theory it enters the spleen, lung and kidney channels and tonifies the spleen and stomach while benefiting the lung and kidney. The other herbs—Zhimu, Gegen, Wuweizi and Tianhuafen—all stop thirst and generate fluids. Raw chicken gizzard lining not only strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite but also treats enuresis and seminal emission. Combined, the herbs chiefly stop thirst, generate fluids and reduce urination.
Many cancer patients develop severe dry mouth and thirst after radiotherapy; polydipsia and polyuria seriously degrade their quality of life. For such patients, Gypsum (Shigao), Ophiopogon (Maidong), Gynostemma (Jiaogulan), Mume (Wumei) and Lophatherum leaf (Zhuye) may be added to Yuye Tang to strengthen thirst-relieving and fluid-generating effects. Diabetic patients with marked qi deficiency—lassitude, lack of strength, reluctance to speak, and a deficient fine pulse—may add ginseng (Renshen) or American ginseng (Xiyangshen) to strengthen qi supplementation. Patients leaning toward yin deficiency with internal heat may add Lycium bark (Digu Pi), Scutellaria (Huangqin), Fritillaria (Chuanbe), Cornus (Shanzhuyu) and Dodder seed (Tusi Zi) to enhance yin-nourishing and kidney-tonifying. Diabetics with scabies may add Houttuynia (Yuxingcao) and Sophora root (Shandougen) to clear heat and resolve toxicity. Hyperthyroidism with enlarged thyroid may add Selfheal (Xiakucao), Scrophularia (Xuanshen) and Zhejiang Fritillaria (Zhebeimu) to reduce swelling and disperse nodules.
Modern pharmacology confirms this formula significantly lowers blood glucose, increases the distribution of insulin and C-peptide, and lowers glucagon. It also regulates triglycerides and cholesterol and raises SOD activity. Thus the formula both lowers blood glucose and lipids and improves glucose tolerance by improving insulin resistance and enhancing peripheral tissue glucose utilization, thereby preventing and treating diabetes and its complications.
Both radiation sequelae and diabetes are chronic diseases requiring long-term medication, and patients find it hard to keep taking decoctions. Clinicians may, based on the patient's condition, add appropriate herbs to this base and have the patient take the result as a pill, which is more convenient and economical.